"I think the people on the Democratic side made a big mistake and the funding thing was a big deal," Frank told The Hill Wednesday afternoon, alluding to Republicans' big cash advantage in the race. "My side picked a fight they shouldn't have picked. The recall was upsetting to people, the rerun of the election with [Democratic Milwaukee Mayor] Tom Barrett — it's not a fight I would have picked…"

When asked if the race had any national implications, Frank shook his head.

"People need to be more strategic about the fights they pick," he said.

It's no coincidence that the other prominent Democrat to voice that sentiment today in such strong terms -- former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell -- also has the luxury of speaking his mind.

"It was a dumb political fight — I would have waited until Walker's reelection," Rendell told The Hill Wednesday.